Long distance travel on a motorcycle can present many issues -
- Keeping the spouse/relatives informed - they worry because they care!
- Keeping effective records of the journey/s - observations/pictures/video - in various forms.
- Carrying and storing all of this gear
- Communication - telephone - internet - HOW!
There is not a great deal of room to carry stuff on a motorcycle. Space is at a premium. Electronic devices associated with connectivity, storage and communication, present issues in the motorcycling environment -
- Mounting externally on the motorcycle
- Keeping them dry
- keeping them powered - batteries charged or powered up by the motorcycle
- keeping them safe and secure/d
- keeping them unbroken/undamaged
- keeping and maintaining data copies (backups) in a safe/separate and secure location
- hearing, seeing, controlling and operating them
In our home environment power is readily available. High speed internet (soon for nearly everyone with the NBN) connection. Security, backup facilities, hearing,seeing and operating the technology is generally, not an issue.
Traveling via motorcycle is a different issue. What I take or plan to take follows. Whilst this is Apple centric I will point to substitutes for the Windows users as and if needed. I will also tell you if it is Apple specific and you will need to find your own substitute. There is more than one way to achieve the goals here.
Carried
Camera - still/video
A camera of between 5 and 10 megapixels capability is all most will need. I choose a point and shoot with up to a 5x optical zoom. Digital zooms can cause some image issues so I usually turn that off. Look for anti shake technology. Depending on your photographic skill levels you may look for more manual control capabilities, rather than a selection of automated features. Like always you pay for what you get. Look for at least 720p video capability (HD video). Some flexibility in choosing Frames Per Second (FPS) would also be nice. Look for replaceable battery use. Usually AA. Check that Lithium Ion batteries can be used in the Camera.
I spent under AUS$200.00 for a 10 megapixel HD (720p) video compact Pentax on special. It does a good job of stills and movies are acceptable. Handles high capacity SD cards (currently a 4GB is installed (900 plus 10megapixel images can be stored). It is not weather/water proof.
The new iPhone 4 has a 5 megapixel camera and 720HD video capability. Most newer phones have a 4-5 megapixel camera at least. Don't forget a Gorriilapod!
NOTE - Camera's have a screw attachment for tripod mount. This usually a plastic insert. Be aware that these screw attachments are not very robust and easily striped. They usually do not survive being mounted on a motorcycle using this attachment for any length of time. More expensive camera's usually have a metal insert and are a little more robust.
Make sure at least one of the camera's selectable file formats is .JPG (stills) and the preferred video file format is MPEG or a h.264 compatible format. The windows format is not cross platform compatible and will need to be converted.
IPhone 3G - to be replaced with a iPhone 4
Voice/sms/email/data/internet (WEB)/books/music/video - WiFi/3G/Bluetooth. Many many APP's to satisfy most needs from gaming, weather, navigation and much much more. I make very few phone calls on my iPhone. I use it for storing information, mainly in the form of PDF files, playing music, watching video's and playing/viewing pod/vid casts. It is also good for making voice notes as reference for those written entries for your WEB site or BLOG. I use an RSS feed APP to keep up to date with my internet forums and sites of interest.
Viewing/reading limitations of the iPhone are its size. Whilst you can read, browse and watch, the screen size is the limitation and restricts me to a max of an hour at a time. 30 minutes is comfortable.
I carry, in digital form, most of what I need on my phone. Anything I do on my PC at home can be transferred to my iPhone in one file format or another (PDF), that can be read/used on the iPhone. All my email accounts are duplicated on my iPhone. My calendars, address book etc are also duplicated on my iPhone and synced regularly. Some items are auto synced via WiFi and/or 3G connectivity automatically.
NOTE - iPhone works fine via iTunes on a Windows machine.
iPad
My portable computer of choice. WiFi version only. The MiFi (see later in article) provides the iPad with all the internet connectivity it requires in the form of a WiFi link. Again duplicate all email addresses on this device and sync it using hard wired and WiFi connections the same as the iPhone. Add in all the iWorks programs (Numbers, Keynote,Pages) plus some favourite APP's (iPad versions of the iPhone ones in most cases). The iPad is very viewing friendly. Much easier to read and reply to email. Great for that evening movie, vodcast, utube video.
Settle down with a good book (ebook) for that relaxing read. Need to refer to the motorcycle manual. The PDF version you transferred to your iPad is available for quick reference. Perhaps its a revue of route notes, iWorks (Pages) to the front. An addition to your WordPress/Blogger blog, there's an APP for that! A play/edit with images from your camera-sure can.
No phone calls (the iPhone does that), but VOIP is available courtesy the MiFi connection, presenting itself as a WiFi LAN connection, thus permitting VOIP to function.
After the ride, whilst at camp/hotel/motel/cabin or roadside stop the iPad comes into its own as the connectivity/viewing/writing/reading/email/Web browsing/music/ipod/vidcast playing device, of choice.
Good battery life and great usability. Add a quality set of headphones or use the in ear ones you have for the helmet.
The Windows Option is a Netbook of your choice. Providing it has a wireless card the MiFi will work fine with it and provide the same internet connectivity as it did to the iPad. I suggest a solid state hard drive model.
There are many excellent after market cases for iPads and Netbooks. A good, robust, travel case is recommended.
Optional - instead off - A laptop of your choice. MAC or Windows. Bulkier, harder to carry and with limited battery life. Must have WiFi (802.1g) capability.
GPS
In my case a Zumo 220. Offering Bluetooth connectivity (mono only) with voice direction the Zumo is MAC and PC friendly. It is also waterproof to IP7 standards. Garmin software for both MAC and PC with good mapping and points of interest files. Not cheap, but mine works well and has proven its waterproof claims. The occasional lockup cured by a battery removal and reboot have been the only issues to date. I only ever carry paper maps in the form of the Australian Motorcycle Atlas (along with a magnifying glass). I do all my route planning using Google Maps and Garmin software. Notes are produce in PDF format and carried/viewed via iPhone/iPad. There is currently no Garmin route planning software available for the iPad. This means that on the road route planning must be done on the GPS. A Laptop (MAC/WIN) has an advantage here.
Connected
MiFi Unit
When out and about some WiFi connectivity is available to you (Free and Payed). McDonald's offer free WiFi connections at many of their stores Australia wide as an example. WiFi connectivity can be carried in your pocket using a MiFi unit.
MiFi units use the 3G (Mobile Phone) network to provide data access to the internet. Performance of these units is really dependant on the frequency and use of HSDPA and HSUPA (see sidebar) standards.
These devices are very small and compact. Most have 4 to 7 hours full use time on one battery charge with long stand by times. Once configured they are simple to operate, usually just having an on/off switch.
Currently the best coverage Australia wide is offered by the Telstra 3G network. It also offers the best WEB/Data speeds as it uses the 850MHz frequency in most area's which propagates better than the higher frequencies used by others such as Optus. Hopefully the NBN will also see some improvements in wireless capabilities, particularly outside major centres. I am not a fan of anything Telstra but if you want good mobile/3G data coverage, Australia wide, it currently offers the best via it's NEXT G network.Others work well but lack coverage and range, in comaprison.
The key to good connectivity of all the 3G/WiFi based technology is the performance of the MiFi unit and the network it attaches/connects to.
I prefer these units (MiFi) over a USB dongle type. USB dongles require a USB port to work, along with installation of compatible third party software and therefore restrict what devices you can connect to them. USB dongles have been known not to work with some PC's/Laptops.
SPOT
Display your route on Google maps. Allow your friends to watch your progress from their computer screen. Personal safety by satellite SMS messages.
SPOT may be carried on your person or mounted on your motorcycle. It requires an annual fee (the spot casting option is recommended) for functionality. A great device and service to provide peace of mind to loved ones, family and friends as you travel this vast land. There are many remote places were only satellite coms work. No mobile phone coverage and very little passing traffic. If you ride "off the beaten track" SPOT is an essential.
Personal EPIRBS may also be an option for you to consider. As an addition to, or in place of, a SPOT.
Spot runs on replaceable batteries (AAA Lithium Ion). SPOT has proven a very robust device in service. Waterproof and rugged. Offers you safety and others, piece of mind.
SPOT connectivity uses the satellite network. It therefore offers a form of redundancy, being separate from the 3G network units connectivity requirements.
UHF CB
Citizen Band radio. Australia uses a UHF system using the 477MHz spectrum. 40 Channels are provided with some radio's offering additional, receive only, programable frequencies. Of short range (up to about 15klm depending on terrain, wattage, antenna - as a guide). Australia's UHF CB systems offers clear mostly interference free, transmissions and reception. Some channels have legislated usage and others by accepted practice (List here).
Not subject to ignition interference, with ground plane independent antenna and low power consumption, UHF CB's generally perform well in the field and are available as handhelds and fixed stations.
Integrated into motorcycle communication systems by such people a D.M.M.E UHF's perform very well in this environment (proper integration with quality gear is the key).
Ignore some of the bad language that occurs with some transmissions. Particularly on any channel used by heavy vehicle operators and the UHF CB is a valuable road safety tool. Other UHF CB equipped road users, farm networks and emergency channels are available to you.
NOTE - Sometime in 2011 the UHF CB system will change, with a doubling of allocated channels to 80 along with other procedural and operational changes. It appears that a new UHF CB will be needed to cater for these new channel allocations. Operation of UHF CB's will still be free.
Motorcycle Communications
Your choice of motorcycle communications equipment will dictate the level of integration possible. In my case the StarCom1 Digital offers all I need. The optional Bluetooth integration module (no A2DP = mono only sound) allows my Zumo 220 (Bluetooth only connectivity) to plug into my coms system.
The bike powered StarCom1 removes the need to re charge Bluetooth based systems.The downside is helmet leads and plugs.
All audio to my helmet with options to add in high quality ear canal earphones (with noise reduction-hearing protection retained with improved audio) as well as have helmet speakers for use without the earphones.
The UHF CB feeds into the StarCom1 and is managed with an integrated Push To Talk (PTT) system and managed audio feed.
The Rider/Pillion intercom with quality audio including pillion only options for music/phone, offer your companion of choice, retention of personal choice in important area's, for enjoyable travel.
Quality microphones and helmet speakers, voice operation options (VOX), speed/noise sensitive auto audio volume adjustments and multiple fine tuning options make the Digital StarCom1 a good choice. Combine this with quality skilled installation and all will work very well.
RESULT
Rider/Pillion intercom system - with personal device choices for Rider and Pillion (phone/music) - quality audio.
Integrated - UHF CB - GPS Navigation - mobile telephone
Local Area Network (WLAN) - WiFi (wireless) via 3G network and MiFi device - WEB/email/data/general internet/VOIP for WiFi capable devices - iPhone/iPad/Netbook/Laptop - multiple devices may connect via WiFi. Portable, were the MiFi device is so is your WLAN - usually available up to 10 metres from the device. Carry it in your pocket and you become the WLAN hub!
SPOT - provides those residing at home with the comfort of knowing you are okay. You are the envy of family and friends as they observe your travels via Google Maps. Even strangers from different parts of the world may be following your Journey.
Reality - The on bike equipment (StarCom Digital) will work well providing all connections and leads remain undamaged and free of water (expert and knowledgeable installation is worth the $$$ for long term happiness). The UHF CB should remain problem free when properly installed. Just watch for corrosion at Antenna connections in the long term (keep them clean and well sealed) and watch for water ingress into the control units (no high pressure washers - or with great care) - transmit power is not the "be all and end all" of UHF radio performance. 3 to 5 watt systems will work well - antenna choice/position, and the wiring of same, are a critical part of these systems.
Battery powered devices such as the MiFi unit and handheld UHF CB usually quote a "use time". These times usually reflect continuose usage. Batteries may last for 3 or more days before re charging is required, depending on use.
Carry a selection of AA-AAA disposable batteries appropriate for your device needs. Quality small battery packs are also available suitable for recharging you portable device inbuilt batteries when away from 240volt sources. One or two of these battery packs can keep you away from the 240volt need for a seven or more days at a time. There are many around. I have provided links, to a couple, in the side bar.
MiFi - function dependant on the 3G network. Do not expect data rates like you get at home on your high speed broadband connection (Cable/ADSL2). VOIP may prove a little flaky and Video calling may be unusable. Peak periods at many locations around Australia - including Friday and Saturday evening in country centres, may result in drop outs/slow data speeds/inability to connect. If it does not work inside, it may work outside. Its all portable, go for a walk. The exercise will do you good!
Devices such as the iPhone are GPS enable and are capable of recording your location (Lat/Long) when you are using the device. Photo's/email/voice messages/fuel fill ups/stops/points of your interest etc, can be Geotaged using your iPhone (appropriate APP's) and GPS. These geotags can be easily transferred to many mapping programs. Geotaged photos are recognised by iPhoto as an example. You may also purchase digital camera's that Geotags all photo's and video taken.
It's a digital and connected world. How much of what you carry is connected?